The boys basketball team lost to the #15 Magruder Colonels, 62-40, dropping their record to 9-12 on the season on Feb. 18.
The Vikings started the game off slow, giving up a 2-pointer on a long Colonel possession followed by another 2-pointer. However, the Vikings would rebound, scoring 6 straight points with just over 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
The Colonels would capitalize due to the Vikes sloppy ball control and missed shots, and ended the first quarter on a 12-2 run to give them a 16-8 advantage.
Guard James Dionne started the second quarter with a 3-pointer to pull the Vikings back within 5 points of the 15th ranked Colonels. Despite the strong start to the second quarter, the boys continued to struggle moving the ball, turning the basketball over 6 times in just the second quarter.
The Colonels matched the Vikings shot for shot and built on their lead before the end of the first half. However, center Ian Ross made a 2-point shot within the final minute of the half to pull the deficit down to 11 points and making the score 28-17.
The Vikings struck first to begin the second half when guard Bryan Joel nailed a deep 3-pointer to pull the boys within 8 points of the Colonels. Although the Vikings started strong, the poor ball movement led to turnovers and Colonels points.
The Colonels mounted an 11-0 run midway through the quarter and built a 24-point lead. The Vikings were able to chip away a little of the Colonel’s lead when guard Jake Harrison hit a 2-pointer before the third quarter buzzer sounded.
The Vikings rode the momentum from Harrison’s shot into the final quarter of play. Joel hit a pair of 3-pointers to pull the Vikings within 15 points with a little over 4 minutes left to play.
The Vikings were able to get as close as 13 points, but Ross suffered a knee injury with 3:33 left in the game that forced him to the locker room. Ross would re enter the game less than a minute later, but the Colonels had already hit a 3-pointer to pull away and seal the victory.
Joel led the team in scoring with 15 points, 12 of which came in the second half, while Ross added 9 points.
The Vikings look to close their season out on a high note when they take on the Seneca Valley Screaming Eagles on senior night, Feb. 22.
